Page 3 of Dissection of Immortal Hearts (Hospital for Immortal Creatures #3)
Sevar lounged in a plush armchair by the window, regarding Amelia with a self-satisfied expression, as if expecting her inquisition.
“Thank you, my dear. You may return to your duties now.” The Queen dismissed Kathrine with a gesture, and returned her attention to the open newspaper in her hands.
Amelia tilted her head, trying to make out the details. ‘ The Daily Chronicle of Antambazi.’ The headline underneath read: BODY FOUND IN THE OUTER DISTRICTS! DO WE HAVE A VAMPIRE IN ANTAMBAZI?
The Queen closed the paper with a shake of her head. “We have another breach.”
Sevar scoffed. “His days are numbered. The responsible teams will apprehend him within twenty-four hours.”
Amelia wondered who these ‘responsible teams’ were. The Chosen, or the ordinary guards? Did they possess the military prowess of Sevar and Kathrine? How much of an obstacle would they be when she was ready to make her move for freedom?
“It’s not uncommon for humans or creatures to stumble accidentally upon the portals to Antambazi and find themselves within our reality,” the Queen explained to Amelia.
“Last night, my guards discovered a body in the outer districts, bearing the marks of a vampire bite on the neck. Someone has feasted on reptilian blood.”
Amelia’s focus shifted to the golden chain from which a ring had slipped into view above the Queen’s black corset.
The antique band bore a lion’s head and was wide enough to fit a man’s fingers.
Quickly averting her gaze – lest it bring forth memories of the man it belonged to – Amelia took a seat and busied herself with adjusting the folds of her skirt.
“How are you finding Antambazi?” the Queen asked, her voice melodic. She would sing angelically even while pronouncing death sentences.
Amelia’s eyes drifted to the vast ebony-wood library occupying the wall to the left of the windows. Jars of flowers and glass vials filled with coloured liquids lined the shelves alongside the books. “I’m well, thank you.”
“Have you explored the districts?”
“Kathrine and Sevar were kind enough to show me around.”
“Then I presume you’ve spoken with the locals. I hope you’ve come to understand that we are no different from other species. We deserve to share the Earth with everyone else…”
Amelia’s focus flickered to the opposite wall. Behind glass-panelled doors stood many small figurines, including a winged lion, a wolf, and something resembling a lizard.
“I wasn’t able to attend the ball this evening, but I understand the atmosphere was delightful. Did you enjoy yourself?” the Queen asked.
“It was… beautiful.”
“Did you dance? We reptilians are exceptionally talented dancers.”
Sevar interjected, “She didn’t, Your Majesty.”
The Queen smiled. “It will take her time to relax. Do you know why I arranged tonight’s celebration, my dear?”
Amelia glanced at Sevar. “Because someone died?”
He smirked. “Not yet.”
“An amusing quip,” the Mother of Reptilians said, as though addressing two children, “but no. Death is commemorated in private circles. Grand feasts are for the living. Tonight’s celebration marked another step towards lowering the veil.
Specifically, the acquisition of the ring.
” She clasped the band between her fingers.
“It’s where it belongs. I thought I would have to search every corner of the Hospital to find it.
And even then, there was no guarantee I would be successful. ”
Sever narrowed his lips into a thin line. “A feat, indeed, Your Majesty. I, on the other hand, am curious as to how she acquired the ring from the manticore.”
Amelia met the reptilian’s gaze. “He gave it to me because he was in love with me. Because he believed I loved him in return.”
The truth. Mikhail had placed the heirloom ring from his father into her hand and made her promise to deceive the reptilians into believing she had stolen it from him.
The Mother of Reptilians dismissed it. “Whatever Mikhail Korovin’s motives, I’m delighted that you’ve come to your senses.
We women are prone to foolishness when it comes to men.
One moment, we’re convinced we despise a man and are ready to let him bleed to death, and the next, he performs some pitiful gesture, and we’re sealing his wounds with kisses.
” Her fingers tightened around the ring.
“The manticore had no idea of the treasure he held in his grasp. He shouldn’t have manipulated you to boost his influence in the immortal world.
Some women are born to wear crowns upon their heads, not to carry men upon their backs. ”
Sevar rolled his eyes. “Could you reserve such conversations for times when I’m not compelled to listen?”
The Queen laughed. “Why, dear Sevar? Doesn’t every strong woman deserve a worthy and honourable king by her side? I had hoped I raised you better.”
This time, Amelia was tempted to roll her eyes. Sevar might exude the confidence of a king and the facade of aristocratic manners, but deep down, he was nothing more than a scoundrel. And he would never tolerate being subservient to a queen if the power dynamics favoured him.
“One day, Amelia will find a deserving man,” the Mother of Reptilians said. “And why shouldn’t it be someone from Antambazi?”
She would rather die.
“For now, my aim is survival,” Amelia said.
The Queen’s pale green eyes met hers. “You wish to survive?” She unclasped the chain with the ring from her neck and placed it on the table. “Why not wish to hold the world in your hands instead?”